System and method for sales and service reconciliation

Abstract

A system and method that provides access to entertainment services, such as, movies, music and / or games are described. The system may collect data relating to transactions for the services and may reconcile such transactions. The system may include an entertainment services device for completing remote point of sale (POS) transactions, providing entertainment services, and collecting transaction data for those services. The system may include a portable device also for completing remote POS transactions for entertainment services, and collecting transaction data for the services. The system may include a server that communicates transaction data from the entertainment services device to the portable device. The portable device may combine the transaction data collected by the entertainment services device and the portable device, which it may communicate to a back office system for reconciliation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 802,558, filed Mar. 17, 2004, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 455,290, filed Mar. 17, 2003.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The invention relates generally to a system and method for sales and inventory reconciliation. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for facilitating business to business relationships between airlines and flight goods and service providers, such as caterers and entertainment service providers, through reconciliation of in-flight inventory and sales transactions. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] An employer reportedly invented the mechanical cash register in 1879 to prevent sales clerks from stealing. More than a century later, the problems of accounting for retail sales proceeds and inventory persist. Salespeople are entrusted with ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Accordingly, a need exists for a new system for performing and recording transactions in connection with sales of products and / or services at a remote location, such as on a moving vehicle. A system that can be used on a moving vehicle to process credit transactions and track inventory would be welcomed. The system should be quick and convenient at the point of sale, easy to set up for use, and sufficiently accurate and tamper-proof to be relied upon for sales and inventory reconciliation and reporting.

Problems solved by technology

More than a century later, the problems of accounting for retail sales proceeds and inventory persist.

Problems continue to arise in attempting to hold individual salespeople accountable for their transactions.

Accounting problems are particularly noticeable in circumstances where salespeople must circulate among customers to transact sales, and where the transactions are conducted under time pressure.

Interruptions are frequent and the time permitted for selling is limited, especially on shorter flights.

Perhaps as a result, airlines have reported difficulties in recording sales transactions from onboard sales of duty-free items, liquor, and headsets.

Additionally, traditional inventory accounting methods do not appear to be practical under these circumstances and much lost inventory is never satisfactorily accounted for.

However, this schedule may not be convenient to the customer.

Thus, the movie may be annoying or distracting to those that did not purchase the movie.

These terminals, however, are basic in their operations and require specific skilled developers to modify terminal applications.

New strides are being taken by the terminal providers to provide more robust development interfaces, but these devices are relatively new and unproven.

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